First published on 06.02.2011. The main focus on the events in Egypt has been on the mass of demonstrators taking to the streets and squares to protest against the Mubarak regime. Yet as in other areas I have looked at…
Blog Archives
Bono vs. The Rolling Stones
First published on 30.01.2011. The image of Bono taking centre stage once again at Davos on a panel about ‘Raising Healthy Children’ could easily open up another grueling debate about the merits of the U2 lead singer as a global…
The Lure Of Placing Bollywood On The Front Lines Of Celebrity Diplomacy
First published on 22.01.2011. The global reach of Bollywood is increasing apparent. As just one illustration, Toronto has been full of buzz this week due to the visit of Slumdog Millionaire star Anil Kapoor and the announcement that the city…
Posted in Celebrity Activism, Diplomacy
George Clooney – The Out In Front Networked Celebrity
First published on 08.01.2011. Celebrity activists are commonly criticized for being enthusiastic amateurs. Indeed in some cases personalities from the entertainment world do embrace issues that they know very little about. There is a tendency among these individuals to use…
Posted in Celebrity Activism, Diplomacy
Yao Ming A Sign Of Future Possibilities?
First published on 17.01.2011. This blog introduces two very different themes about celebrity activism. The first theme concerns the role (or arguably the non-role) of sports celebrities as pivotal activists. Although some sports celebrities do involve themselves in causes there…
Who Advises The Celebrity Activists?
First published on 01.01.2011. One of the most under-recognized areas of celebrity activism relates to who advises this category of performers in what roles or issues they should take up. The traditional answer focuses on institutions. When we look back…
Posted in Celebrity Activism, Diplomacy
Celebrities And Haiti
First published on 23.01.2010. The rush by celebrities to provide support for Haiti holds our attention by the sheer extent of the mobilization by star power. But after the show is over what should we make of this phenomenon? Is…
Bono’s Activist Touring Shifts To The G20
First published on 11.09.2011 Bono’s hybrid life was fully on display in Toronto last Friday. His life with U2 was presented in the form of the documentary “From the Sky Down” as the opening gala screening at the TIFF –…
The Different Faces Of An Ascendant Celebrity Activism
First published on 17.02.2008. We have seen in recent times an enormous extension of the global reach for celebrity activists. The leading lights of this phenomenon seem to be everywhere doing everything. George Clooney, after the announcement of his selection…
Posted in Celebrity Activism, Diplomacy
Oprah’s Star Power As A Catalyst For Political Change
First published on 07.01.2008. Obama Barrack’s success at the Iowa polls was due in large part to a groundswell of support from the disaffected (mainly because of the Iraq war) or those previously disengaged from the electoral process (especially youth…
Posted in Celebrity Activism, Diplomacy
